‘Root and branch’ reform of parole system to keep dangerous offenders off the streets

It comes as Dominic Raab said he plans to appeal against a Parole Board recommendation that Baby P’s mother Tracey Connelly should be released from prison.

Connelly was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 over the death of her 17-month-old son who died after suffering more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back, despite being on the at-risk register.

The Justice Secretary said his package of landmark reforms will restore public confidence in the system, including a tougher Parole Board release test to ensure prisoners who still pose a risk are kept behind bars.

The most dangerous offenders – murderers, rapists, terrorists and those who have caused or allowed the death of a child – will also now face ministerial scrutiny, including a new power to block their release in the interests of public safety.

Where the Parole Board cannot confidently say the prisoner is safe to leave prison, it will refer the decision to the Justice Secretary.

“Through our parole reforms, we will stand up for the rights of victims and make public safety the overriding factor in deciding on parole decisions,” said Mr Raab.

“That’s why we are changing the criteria for release, putting more people with law enforcement experience on Parole Board panels, and adding a ministerial check on release of the most serious offenders.”

Mr Raab said they will not only increase the proportion of Parole Board members from policing backgrounds, but also ensure that they sit on hearings for the most dangerous offenders. He said their first-hand experience in dealing with serious offenders and the risk they pose will put a “greater focus on public protection” in parole hearings.

Currently, less than five per cent of the Parole Board’s membership falls into this category.

Mr Raab said the reforms are designed to strengthen the law to ensure that the parole systems puts the emphasis firmly back on public protection and stops the release of dangerous offenders from prison. These also include:

• Enshrining in law the expectation that the Parole Board will take a more precautionary approach. The wording in legislation will leave no room for interpretation and make clear that the only priority is whether a prisoner is safe to release; and
• Greater ministerial scrutiny on the release of the most dangerous offenders, including a new power to block their release in the interests of public safety;

The Justice Secretary says the reforms will also restore confidence in its work and put public safety at the heart of every parole decision. It will put victims front and centre of the process and give them a stronger voice. This will include:

• Parole boards required to consider submissions from victims when making release decisions;
• Victims given the chance to attend hearings as an observer and ask questions. Currently, victims are limited to a statement shared with the board explaining how the crime impacted on their life;
• The Parole Board will trial more detailed decision letters for victims, explaining their thinking more clearly and increasing transparency; and
• Along with victims, the media and prisoners will be able to apply for a hearing to be held publicly, with the board considering whether it would be in the interests of justice. This follows the case of rapist John Worboys, which prompted calls for the greater transparency.

The Government says he publication of the ‘Root and Branch’ review delivers on a manifesto pledge to make the system more transparent and improve victims’ experience.

Offenders subject to life sentences, indeterminate sentences for public protection, extended sentences and certain recall cases are all subject to the parole process, meaning their release must be directed by the Parole Board.